By Lizzie Weakley
Homeowners should have their roof checked every year or two for possible deterioration and unseen damage. Following a major storm, you may want to have the roof inspected, especially if you believe high winds or heavy snow have damaged the shingles or gutters. When choosing a roofer, however, don't automatically hire the one offering the lowest bid to do the roofing repairs. Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing the best bid for your next roofer.
Inexperienced Roofers May Charge Less
A roofing company might desperately need the work and thus offer to do the job at a lower cost. However, bidding low may also suggest the roofer is trying to get the job for the wrong reasons, such as planning to take shortcuts with the work or using cheap materials. If you get a low bid, try to find out the credibility of the roofers before accepting it.
A new roofer or one with limited experience might not have a realistic understanding of the roofing industry. Pricing a roof repair or replacing the roof requires insight into the amount of time that will be needed, the number of employees on the job, the type of materials to be purchased, and accessories like tools, supplies, and travel to and from the job site. A very low bid might be given by someone who doesn't know exactly how to gauge the work, build a budget, or price the materials. Make sure to ask a prospective roofer about the number of years the company has been doing business.
Low Bids May Result in Poor Work
You get what you pay for is an adage that often proves true. This doesn't mean that every roofer who bids low will do poor work. But you should be cautious when a roofer offers to fix your roof at a fraction of the cost that another roofer is bidding. The low bidders might plan to use leftover materials or take shortcuts on the labor.
However, some roofers that charge lower rates may have excellent service. It’s imperative that you make sure you are hiring a crew that knows what they’re doing and have the right tools for the job. Sense this out as you ask questions and gauge their level of service.
Hire Proven Roofing Experts
Evaluate roofers who offer a bid. Ask for a detailed budget to see the costs and type of materials to be used. If you cannot find any ratings online, request references from past roofing jobs. Check with the Better Business Bureau about possible past complaints filed against a company, if you suspect something is off.
It’s important that you hire roofers that are experienced and have a good reputation. A low bid doesn’t automatically mean that they are a poor roofing company, however you should take the time to research where you can and ask the right questions to make sure they are reputable.
Hire a roofer who has the experience and the integrity to do good work at a price that is fair to both of you. Spend time investigating costs and companies, and you’ll be sure to find the right team for the job.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball. Looking to work with a brokerage in Michigan? Weakley recommends contacting The Stockton Team.
